Even in a seller's market, buyers are discerning and patient. They see every competing home, and if yours doesn't stir their emotion, they'll wait for something appealing. Presentation matters.

The National Association of Realtors revealed that 1 to 3 percent of the asking price spent on home staging yields an average return on investment of 8 to 10 percent. Homes that are staged also tend to spend less time on the market. Some rules and an invitation…

Rule #1: Less is more. Paring back is often the biggest fix, leaving less for the eye to take in, but enough to produce the emotional "home" response.

Rule #2: We're not staging to live in but to sell. Your preferences don't matter here as much as market preferences. A pro will see things you don't…sometimes easy things like how one lamp, or one room color make a huge difference.

Rule #3: Staging is a business decision. It's not about spending money but investing for a return. More eyes, more showings, and more emotional response = better bottom line.

There's a range of staging approaches from "fluff the pillows" to "furnish this house". Sometimes an hour spent yields enormous returns in good advice, and you may go farther. Call me today to learn more about my selling strategies and a free staging consultation.